Five Things To Look For When Buying A Convertible

Due to the recent warm weather spell, there have definitely been more cars on the road with the roof down (that did change when the snow hit for two days, but there we are). However, there are some pitfalls to look out for when buying a convertible car. Here I have highlighted five things to look for so that you can feel the wind in your hair rather than the pain in your pocket…

 

• Is the roof prone to leakage?  Modern day convertibles with metal folding rooflines do not tend to have this problem – however, if you’re buying something with a fabric hood in particular make sure you look very carefully at the interior and exterior for any signs of water damage.  Alternatively, have the seals fully checked to make sure they don’t let any rain in.

 

• Is there a lot of wind noise?  Some convertibles will look particularly striking with the roof down.  Put it up however and it sounds as though a train is rushing past.  Ensure you drive your would-be new car at motorway speed to gauge the levels of noise emitted.

 

• Is there space is the back?  Convertibles are notorious for having less space in the rear – well the roof has to go somewhere.  Can you live with what’s on offer?

 

• Does performance or dynamics suffer due to a lack of tin top?  Convertibles tend to be heavier, thus less economical and quite often slower than a solid roofed counterpart.  Can you live with the lack of oomph or more trips to the fuel station?  For driving dynamics, chopping the roof means a less rigid car.  If you’re a keen driver this may not suit you.

 

• Do you really need a convertible?  Britain isn’t that warm a lot of the time and inclement weather can strike frequently even in Summer.  Could you afford the potential extra outlay for a car that you’ll only have the roof down for a few months of the year?

 

I hope this article has given you something to think about when it comes to your purchase of a convertible.  Feel free to leave any other tips you can think of in the comments section!